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Cross-sectional age differences in the self-conceptions of adults
Psychological Reports
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Adults of all ages use abstract ideas to define themselves. However, the specific nature of these self-characterizations, including openness, competence, and moral integrity, varies with age, supporting Erikson's identity development theory.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Adult Identity
Background:
- Previous research indicates children and adolescents increasingly use abstract ideas to answer "Who am I?"
- This study investigates how adults across different age groups conceptualize their identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine age-related differences in the abstract self-concepts of adults.
- To explore variations in openness, competence, and moral integrity in adult identity formation.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 105 young, 104 middle-aged, and 96 elderly adults.
- Participants provided 20 answers to the question "Who am I?"
Main Results:
- All adult age groups utilized a high number of abstract ideas for self-description.
- Thematic analysis revealed distinct maturation-related variations in the nature of these abstractions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development in adulthood.
- Identity development involves age-specific variations in abstract self-concept, particularly concerning openness, competence, and moral integrity.